What You Need to Know About Slate Shingles

​Slate shingles are types of roof shingles which are installed by a slater. Basically, roof shingles are roof covers consisting of individual overlapping elements, which are typically flat and rectangular shaped, laid in courses from the bottom edge of the roof up. Each subsequent course overlaps the joints below it. Now slates are fine-grained materials made from sedimentary rocks mined from the ground, they are hand-worked into manageable sizes, then split into roof shingles or slate shingles – meaning slate roofs are roofs made of rocks. Quite an explanation there! If you are considering installing slate shingles as your roofing system, here are ten things you need to know;

i. Variety of roofing colors Popular slate shingle colors include gray, purple, red and green. It weathers into a beautiful shade when exposed to different weather conditions.

ii. Eco-friendlyContributes to a healthier environment as they can be recycled after their service life.

iii. DurabilityA slate roof can last over a century without requiring maintenance; you do not have to replace the roof for a long time.

iv. What to use under slate?Solid lumber is the material used under the slate. The standard material that has been used for generations is one inch thick rough sawn lumber. Ensure your contractor chooses the right material to hold the slates for durability.

v. Protection from adverse weatherSlate roofs can withstand any weather condition. It is impervious to mold, mildew, and other sources of contamination.

vi. Varying chemical compositionThere are numerous quarry locations for slate, making its mineralogical and chemical compositions to vary. This also accounts for the different colors for slate shingles making it perfect for your roofing.

vii. Skilled slaterA Slater is someone who installs slate roofs. The installation is quite complicated and requires a very professional Slater to do the roofing.

viii. Slate types There are two types of slate one might be tasked of choosing;• Older slate roofs – these are natural traditional slate roofing system that can last for over 100 years, if properly constructed they could last for over 150 years or even 200 years. The materials for making these slate roofs are natural hence, they are environmentally friendly.• New slate roofs – these are modern chemically-based roofing techniques. The materials for making these types of slates are not naturally occurring ones; i.e. they are asphalt and chemically derived slates. Short life spans as compared to that of slates made from naturally occurring materials mined from quarries.

ix. Level of porositySome slates may have a greater porosity than others and hence will eventually begin to spall due to freeze distortion cycles. Porosity is the ability to be porous – admitting gasses or liquids through pores. Be sure to confirm from the sellers on the type of slate.

x. Lower overall cost Slate shingles are made from durable materials that are fireproof, waterproof, and resistant to climatic changes, requires no cleaning and no preservative coatings or paint, this results in lower insurance premiums, little or no maintenance costs, higher property values and a high salvage value.